The Fast Action Battlers continue to sit on the shelf as deluxes fly off them...

One reason that's often suggested is that the packaging is too kiddy, and kids don't want the TFs for kids, they want the TFs.

But I was wondering today: is it because they are sold in robot mode?

If FABs were repackaged in vehicle mode would they sell better? Would ROTF Deluxes sell worse if they were packaged in robot mode?

If you're a parent looking at TFs, and deluxes and FABs are right beside each other and the same size and price: well isn't the realistic looking sports car, bulldozer, jet, helicopter, etc a much more compelling toy than the bayformer robot modes?

Look at Deluxe Wheelie. An awful looking robot toy, that's so tall it's sold all scrunched up to fit on the card, the only ROTF deluxe so far sold that way. Would it sell better if it was in vehicle mode?

ROTF Scouts, Legends, and Leaders are also all sold in Robot mode... but are they selling as quick? Most stores I visit seem to have a good supply of those sizes even if sold out of Deluxes and Voyagers.

What do others think about this as a reason FABs aren't selling and your preferences on Alt mode vs Robot mode packaging?